Advanced instrumentation
 

I've just gotten over thie initial novelty of my MPguino and am very impressed with how it has improved my driving capability by >10mpg and told me alot about my car.

I now have some new questions about my engine that I think can only be answered by more advanced instruments. Namely that of the efficiency of power generation.

Is power mostly efficiently produced at the lowest rpm or where? How is it best to accelerate to a good economical speed? What is the best accelerator position for going up-hill or into the wind? This type of question will become more important for hybrids, in how best to generate torque efficiently to produce electricity most economically, gallons per KWhr will be an important figure.

I would propose that an MPGuino with accelerometer and logging capability might be useful, with an output to tell you to apply more/less power or change gear. Adding a pitot wind speed detector would then take acount of all the variables.

Anyone considered any of this already?

Congrats. That's another example of why a digital fuel consumption gauge is always the first "modification" to do.

You'll be wanting to read up on Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC). Have a search through the forum - also check the wiki:Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) Maps - EcoModder

The efficiency peak varies by engine specs, but a rough rule of thumb is you generate the most power per unit of fuel burned at low/moderate RPM and quite high load.

Another member proposed a detailed logger that would map BSFC of the actual vehicle being driven in everday use. Not exactly what you're after, but related: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ncy-12478.html